Former United States defender Marcelo Balboa has pushed back on the idea that the co-hosts are overly dependent on AC Milan star Christian Pulisic ahead of their opening World Cup fixture.

Balboa, who earned more than 100 caps for the United States, believes the squad carries enough quality across the team to ease the pressure on their most recognisable player.

The United States enter the tournament as co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, and expectations at home are high. Pulisic remains the focal point of public attention, but Balboa is confident the side can share the burden of delivering results.